Renowned comedian Mark Watson bares his soul in his captivating new memoir, “Mortification: Eight Deaths and Life After Them.” In this poignant and introspective account, Watson opens up about the pain he caused his ex-wife after betraying her shortly after the birth of their second child.
Watson’s career took a nosedive, leading him to seek solace in an extramarital affair. His refusal to participate in popular shows like Mock the Week and Have I Got News for You, which had previously propelled his success, only worsened his downward spiral. As he takes the stage at the Edinburgh Festival with his new show, Search, this summer, Watson shares an unfiltered view of how disappointment in his professional life led to his infidelity.
In his early twenties, Watson’s career soared, winning him a prestigious open mic award at the renowned Edinburgh Festival in 2002. With his comedic talents, he quickly amassed a devoted following. He met his ex-wife, Emily Howes, while studying at Cambridge, and their love story took flight during a 24-hour comedy routine at the Fringe in 2004. The couple tied the knot later that year in a celebration filled with exuberance and joy.
However, Watson’s struggle with his mental health due to fear of missing out (FOMO) on a successful career began to wreak havoc on their marriage. Despite achieving moderate success, Watson found himself deeply affected by any signs of disapproval, such as a small turnout at book signings or heckling during performances. A particularly nightmarish incident in Maidstone had the audience chanting for him to leave the stage. Watson’s departure was ironically met with applause, further reinforcing his feelings of failure.
When Watson’s career faltered and his manager let him go, he found himself drowning in darkness. In his memoir, Watson candidly confesses how his desperation and sense of inadequacy led him to engage in an affair that ultimately shattered his marriage. Despite the lack of pleasure in admitting it, Watson acknowledges that he yearned to constantly win, even when his reality consisted of failure. The affair, in a twisted way, became a means to escape his feelings of mediocrity and evade the harsh reality of his situation.
As painful revelations unfolded, his ex-wife discovered his betrayal around the time of their youngest child’s birth. Watson, known for his incredible stage stamina, having performed 24-hour joke sessions, now faced an existential crisis. “Mortification: Eight Deaths and Life After Them” delves into the metaphorical deaths Watson experienced throughout his life: unfulfilled dreams, dying onstage, and the death of his marriage.
The memoir does not shy away from exploring Watson’s mental health decline during this tumultuous period. In a recent interview with The Times, he admits that he once found himself on the brink of suicide, only a couple of text messages away from ending it all. Watson openly expresses his indifference towards his own life and the pain he inflicted upon his wife and the person he had an affair with. He reflects on the negative impact he believes he has made on the world, questioning his purpose and contribution.
Following the dissolution of his marriage and attempts at reconciliation through marriage counseling, Watson found solace in a new relationship with comedy producer Lianne Coop. Together, they run a successful gig company called Impatient Productions.
In “Mortification: Eight Deaths and Life After Them,” Watson paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows of pursuing a career in comedy. Aspiring comedians face a treacherous path, filled with uncertainty and unpredictability. Watson eloquently describes this journey as a game of “snakes and ladders,” where success and failure can interchange in an instant. One moment, you climb the ladder of success, and the next, you slide down the snake of disappointment, erasing all progress made.
Watson’s memoir dives deep into the disappointments he experienced in his career. Despite early success, he found himself crushed when promised book deals and film opportunities failed to materialize. The title “Mortification: Eight Deaths and Life After Them” holds profound meaning as it represents the many times Watson felt metaphorically dead – dreams unfulfilled and moments of humiliation on stage.
Originally an audiobook, “Mortification: Eight Deaths and Life After Them” was released in print on August 17th. Watson’s raw and honest account provides readers with a unique glimpse into the life of a comedian grappling with personal and professional challenges. Published by Phoenix, this memoir is a must-read for those seeking an authentic and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
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